Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

A zesty and vibrant salsa made with fresh tomatillos, perfect for dipping or as a topping.

Lena

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-21T10:25:48.926Z

Tomatillo Salsa Verde is a staple in Mexican cuisine, bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of tanginess. It's the perfect accompaniment to tacos, grilled meats, or simply enjoyed with tortilla chips.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh and tangy flavor that brightens up any dish
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Versatile accompaniment for a variety of meals

The Brightness of Tomatillos

Tomatillos, often mistaken for green tomatoes, are the star of this salsa verde. Their unique tartness adds a refreshing punch, making them a perfect base for a vibrant salsa. When cooked, tomatillos develop a slightly sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the heat from jalapeños. This bright green fruit is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, including vitamin C and antioxidants, making your salsa both delicious and healthy.

In addition to their flavor, tomatillos have a firm texture that holds up well when blended, ensuring your salsa has a pleasing consistency. Whether you’re using them for dipping chips or as a topping for tacos, their zesty taste will elevate any dish, bringing a burst of freshness that’s hard to resist.

Perfect Pairings

Tomatillo salsa verde is incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, adding a tangy contrast to the savory flavors of chicken, pork, or beef. Drizzle it over tacos, burritos, or enchiladas for an extra kick, or use it as a marinade for your favorite proteins, infusing them with that zesty goodness.

For those looking to keep it light, this salsa also works well as a dressing for salads or a topping for roasted vegetables. Its bright flavor can awaken even the simplest of meals, making it an essential condiment in your kitchen repertoire.

Storage Tips

After making your tomatillo salsa verde, you might be wondering about storage. This salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Over time, the flavors will meld and deepen, making it even more delicious on day two or three. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur.

If you want to enjoy this vibrant salsa beyond a week, consider freezing it. Pour the salsa into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags, and it will keep well for up to six months. Thaw individual portions as needed for quick and easy meals, ensuring that you always have a fresh burst of flavor on hand.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Tomatillo Salsa Verde

  • 8 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust for heat)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a blender for a quick and easy salsa!

Steps to Prepare

Prepare the Tomatillos

Place tomatillos in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes until softened. Remove and let cool.

Blend the Ingredients

In a blender, combine the cooled tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lime juice to your preference.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving tomatillo salsa verde, the possibilities are endless. Pair it with tortilla chips for a refreshing snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering. The tangy flavor of the salsa complements the crunchiness of the chips perfectly, creating a delightful contrast that is simply irresistible.

For a more substantial meal, consider using the salsa as a topping for grilled fish or shrimp tacos. The bright flavors of the salsa will enhance the natural sweetness of the seafood, creating a dish that’s bursting with freshness and flavor. You can also use it as a condiment for burgers or sandwiches, adding a zesty kick to your favorite recipes.

Variations to Try

While this recipe provides a delicious base, feel free to experiment with the ingredients to create your unique twist on tomatillo salsa verde. For a smoky flavor, try adding roasted garlic or a chipotle pepper. This will give your salsa a depth that’s both intriguing and satisfying, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Another variation is to incorporate fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy salsa. The addition of these fruits will not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful color and texture to your salsa, making it even more appealing. Experimenting with different herbs, such as mint or parsley, can also provide a fresh twist that complements the tomatillos beautifully.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salsa in advance?

Yes, you can make it up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Is it spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of jalapeños you use. Feel free to adjust to your taste.

→ What can I serve this salsa with?

It's great with tacos, grilled meats, or simply with tortilla chips.

→ Can I freeze this salsa?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Tomatillo Salsa Verde

A zesty and vibrant salsa made with fresh tomatillos, perfect for dipping or as a topping.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Lena

Recipe Type: World Cuisine Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 2 cups

What You'll Need

Ingredients for Tomatillo Salsa Verde

  1. 8 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  2. 1 small onion, chopped
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust for heat)
  5. 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  6. Juice of 1 lime
  7. Salt to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place tomatillos in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes until softened. Remove and let cool.

Step 02

In a blender, combine the cooled tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Step 03

Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lime juice to your preference.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Total Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 2g